Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes

 

Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting! 

Many of us like to thrift, some of us have our favorite second hand stores we will favorite, Good Will is popular amongst many too. As you frequent some of these places have you noticed a change with some of their prices too? Are you finding that some of them are a little bit spendy? Have you found some to have a little more than a thrifty price? 

Some of the different shops still have reasonable prices for all of the changes we have been experiencing. Yet, some of them have become a bit spendy, and I find myself not able to shop with them. I don’t over price things myself I don’t think, and try to be reasonable in pricing myself. Like many many others I do have to make some kind of profit in order to do what I do, be able to offer what I do, and have fun shopping too. I take pleasure doing what I do.

Anyway, I feel it’s a bit bothersome when some of the clothing is priced higher than maybe Walmart, Target, and some of those stores. What is also disturbing is that some of the prices for items of interest are being priced as what is being found on eBay. Reason I mention this is due to a couple incidents I had. When I asked a couple of clerks how they determined some of their prices  for some pieces I had found I was told it was due to what they sell for on eBay. 

I’m sorry, and I know it is terrible of me to do, but the answer of using eBay made me chuckle. I then asked if they were an auction house accepting bids on items, if their items included shipping which evidentially they were not doing with physical shopping, and etc. They sad No of course not. I did remind them that items they were selling had been donated to them, and that eBay items sell for a different price due to different factors involved that they did not have in the physical store. Like people buying things in order to resell.  I also asked if they had collectors books to research with for pricing, and to actually verify what they were selling. I was told no to that. I did mention if it was of any value they were better to have a silent auction like they do from time to time.

I’m sorry, I do apologize. I thought Thrift Stores were for people to go to, and buy things for their homes, sometimes gift giving, and for crafting. Some people with a lower income, or having a hard time rely on some of these stores for clothing their children to be a little more acceptable with schools, societies, etc. 

At one time I had read an article with ecommercebytes blog about this particular subject. I found it interesting to read, think about, and read a few thoughts and comments left by others who shared their opinions as well. 

So, what about you? What do you think? Have you noticed some of this when you are thrifting, or bargain shopping?

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! I appreciate you visiting, and letting me share some of my thoughts, and opinions. Remember, I am no expert with anything, but just like to converse and share things with you. Take care everyone, and be safe, See you soon! Toodles . . . . . . 

Thrift Stores and Good Will Stores Charging Too Much

Thrifty Stores and Good Will Stores, Are They Charging Too Much?  

There are many of us who have our favorite thrift stores we like to frequent. As you are strolling through some of these thrift stores have you noticed that with some of them the prices are becoming a bit spendy on things? Can you still find some items that are maybe below the thrift prices that we had become accustomed too?

Some of our local Good Will Stores have been fairly good with their prices, but that definitely is not the case with all of them. During my thrifting I had found a couple of Good Will Stores that had become quite spendy. Due to this I no longer shop with them either. 

I find it disturbing when some of the thrift stores have prices on their clothing that is higher than what you would find at like Walmart, or maybe with Target too. If you are willing to spend some time digging around for a while you can locate some items that are marked well, and are affordable thrifting prices. 

Another thing that sometimes is disturbing is that prices for some of the items of interest I find are being priced as they would be on Ebay. Out of curiosity I have asked a couple of different clerks how they were determining their prices for some of these higher end products being found. They told me that is what they are selling for on Ebay as the answer. Sorry, but the answer of Ebay kind of gives me a chuckle. These places are not auction houses, or places that take bids on items as Ebay does. Using Ebay for determing prices is not always the sure way for pricing items at thrift stores. Ebay has prices that fluctuate all the time. Sometimes it will end on a higher price, and at other times it could end on a price for maybe $5. It depends on the want for what people are searching the internet for, and what they are willing to bid on it for at that time. 

I have inquired with clerks before if anyone pricing in their store was using collectors books to do so. Some of these books upon research can give you an estimated idea of what your items are worth, but again it does not say that is the selling price of the items either. Generally items will sell for about 1/2 the price of what you see listed in these books. Unless, as mentioned before, someone has a want for the item, and they are willing to bid for it till they get it. 

I guess I assumed that thrift stores were places to go, and shop with for items for your homes, your home decor, to craft with, maybe repurpose, or refurbish too. Some of those who have an income a little bit less than others rely on these stores to shop at for clothes for their children, for the adults, to supply them with work clothes needed, and to help with their kids being better accepted with other kids at school by wearing similar clothes to them. 

Many of these particular stores have items donated to them. That is one less big expense for them with their inventory. They have automatically saved cost there with buying their items, and then having to price according to their purchase price. 

Recently I had come across a little article at ecommercebytes that talked about this same issue as being discussed with the prices of some of the thrift stores. Give it a click, and stop on by to read what they had to say, and what others have commented about as well. 

So, what about you? Have you seen some of this price trend when you have been thrifting? Do you think maybe it is certain items that they are doing this with, or maybe they are just doing it to be doing it? Something to think about a little bit, huh?

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Till the next time have fun, enjoy, happy thrifting, and much luck with all that sell online too. 

Ruby Plaza End of Year Changes Soon Here, What to Do

Ruby Plaza End of Year Changes Soon Here, What to Do, and are you ready for it?

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! For those who sell vintage, and antiques you might be aware of the Market Place called Ruby Lane. There had come a time when Ruby Lane made another site from them called Ruby Plaza where you could sell items that were newer, and not vintage too. Many sellers who used these sites enjoyed it, and found it beneficial to them to belong to both sites offering their products. 

It had been announced quite some time ago that Ruby Plaza the sister site of Ruby Lane would be closing by the end of the year 2012. The site is still active, some sellers are still selling there making preparation to move onto other places, and some of the sellers are also able to move their products into Ruby Lane as well. 

Some of the sellers from Ruby Plaza are still considering where to go with their goods that are not vintage, some are new, and some are Thrift Store finds too. There are many places on the internet to consider. Keep in mind that not only are there other Market Places, but some of your social networks also allow you to sell from their sites as well. One place to consider for this which is growing is called Vintage Rising. Lora, also known as ElsiesAttic, who is the owner to the site there has been working to help this site grow, and also to remind those from Ruby Plaza to come by, and consider becoming a member to this community as well. I do like the saying that Vintage Rising has on their site as well . . . Find Up-Cycled Vintage, Handmade Crafts, Supplies, Thrift Store Goods, and much much MORE! It's Vintage that's Reborn . . . . It's Vintage Rising! 

If you have heard of Vintage Village you will know that Vintage Rising is a sister site to this as well. Vintage Rising started out as a Social Network where others could share about their items such as Handmade, Altered, and Vintage. Items that had been repurposed, and upcycled using vintage components of sorts. With the announcement that had been made about Ruby Plaza closing Lora started to do more work with the site to offer a bit more for those who sold at Ruby Plaza, and were looking for places to go to. Sellers that are members there are now able to show their items from Thrift Store Finds also. Items of new, gently used, and things you would find with Thrift Stores, Good Wills, and such. Now, if someone were to visit, and see an item of interest they can then contact the seller to purchase it, and be invoiced through Paypal, or maybe Google Wallet. If they are not invoiced directly they could also be directed to maybe a venue the item is listed with to purchase. How fun, and how convenient don't you think?

Keep in mind that many do still use Ebay, and also complain of their forever changing fees and rules. There is also Ecrater where listing is free, final value fees are free, and they allow you to offer payments through Paypal, and Google Wallet too. Some might use Facebook, and they also use Yardsellr through there as well. Now, these are not all the market places on the internet as there are still more out there to find, and explore. Finding what works for you is most important. Like using your own Blogs is good too. This is something that has been done by me also with no problems of invoicing through Paypal, or Google Wallet.  

I hope that this bit of information will be helpful to some of you who are still deciding, not sure, trying to view all your options, and etc. Visit the sites mentioned, and remember there is much more out there to see too. On your journeys make sure to visit Vintage Rising, and join with others there who share the same things, offer the same things, learn from each other, help each other out, make some new friends, and become a part of a great community. 

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and happy to see you visit again soon. Any questions make sure to leave a comment here, or also contact Me if you would like too. I wish you all well, and much luck to you. Hope you had a great weekend, and wishing you a super week. Toodles Everyone:)

Thrift Store Yard Sale Goodwill Transformations With Repurposing

 Thrift Store Yard Sale Goodwill Transformations With Repurposing.

Hello Everyone, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams! So, how was Labor Day Weekend? Did you all enjoy? It wasn't bad here. I always look forward to seeing a good friend of mine, and being able to share things we like to do, answer questions, give ideas, and all of the fun girl stuff.

As most of you know I enjoy Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and any discount place I kind find pieces to work with. Some pieces I find I will collect, display, or sell as is. Other pieces are involved with one of my favorite things to do which is to repurpose, and upcycle. There is sooo much out there to see, to do, to create, and what makes it even better is that I enjoy doing it. I enjoy making pieces that become one of a kind for others to enjoy. Right now I have been doing cake cupcake plate pedestal stands. I love glassware, and I have always been selective with my pieces that I find too. I have been slowly adding some of my work into my Ecrater Shop. Along with that shop you will also see pieces at Etsy, and Artfire too. 

I enjoy making cake cupcake plate pedestal stands. I have made a 2 tier one, and I have a 3 tier one that I hope to be listing soon as well. There are so many possibilities with these pieces once they are made. How amazing, and the cost of homemade can be so much more cost efficient compared to buying new sometimes too. Anyway....I can easily get carried away with this:) Many suggestions with some of these pieces is to use them in servings with cakes, and cupcakes. Maybe some cookies, or even some sandwiches for those lovely tea party gatherings too. Oh, don't forget you could serve some yummy truffles, candies, mints, and many wonderful snacks for any occasion. 

You can also use these pieces with your home decor too. Use them as candle holders, for center table arrangements, use on your kitchen counters with some soap and scrub pads, use in the bathrooms with rolled cloths and decorative soaps, on your dressers holding some of your favorite jewelry and trinkets, rest your eyeglasses on them when not in use, wonderful on the dressers and vanities. Great to use for organizing things in your home too. Since they are slightly raised you can put things on top, but also under them too. 

Use at weddings at the wedding table, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, holidays, special occasions, give as a gift, and so on, and so on. The list just goes on, and on with all the possibilities. Some of the pieces I have been making have become at times a two-in-one type thing as well. Not only can you have the pedestal stand with things on top, but due to some of the pieces I use you could also consider flipping them over. Upon doing this you can use them as a single candle holder with some flowers around the plate, use it as a single candy dish bowl, and as mentioned endless possibilities. When they are sitting right side up I once in a while like to set a flicker candle under some of the glasses, goblets, and glass pieces that have been used with bigger openings. 

Below are some pictures of pieces I have done. Some of my first pieces I made some of them had lace, ribbon bows, pearl strands, and etc on them. Yes, I still have some pieces I am working on that will have some lace on them to give a little more character. But, each piece is different, and is always made in the way I am inspired at the time of creating.  To see more pictures, details, and so on visit the places mentioned that they are listed with. Any questions, make sure you contact Me, ok?

 Green 2 Tier Cupcake Candle Plate Glass Pedestal Stand is listed with my shop at Etsy. I used 2 salad plates that are like new, and attached with a glass candle holder. 

I am happy with how this piece turned out using vintage salad plates, and a glass candle holder that attaches them. Pink Rose 2 Tier Cupcake Plate Pedestal Stand Vintage Inspired is listed with my shop at Artfire.

These 2 pictures are for a Stoneware Cupcake Plate Amber Glass Pedestal Stand that is listed with my shop at Etsy. Picture above is generally how you see them. This 2nd picture shows how you can flip it over, and use it in a more distinctive way too. 2 for 1 as I often call some of them.

This piece is a bit different as I used a glass bowl, a glass candle holder, some lace, and some ribbon. This Glass Candy Dish Candle Holder Pedestal Stand is listed with my shop at Ecrater. Visit to see all pictures, and details for this item. 

This is very similar to the piece above with the amber glass that has 2 pictures. Different decorative plate with this, and a gorgeous green glass pedestal makes this Green Cake Cupcake Plate Glass Pedestal Stand that is listed in my Ecrater Shop. 

 Taylor Smith Taylor Cupcake Cake Plate Pedestal Stand was repurposed by Me, and is listed with my shop at Ecrater. Visit to see more pictures, and details of this adorably vintage inspired piece.

 Glass Chandelier Candle Holder Repurposed Lighting Brown Glass was a fun piece to make. Used a chandelier light cover, and attached it to a green saucer. Visit Artfire for more pictures, and details of this item.

 Blue White Cake Cupcake Plate Blue Glass Pedestal Stand was one of my 1st pieces made using a dinner plate, and a vintage cobalt blue glass goblet. Hmmm, possibilities. See listing at Artfire.  Below this picture is another picture that goes with this same listing.

This picture actually is with the one above is which shows how this can be turned over, and used in this way too. Don't you just love all the possibilities of these pieces?

 Ok, this one is not listed yet. The pictures have been done, and revised for listings. Now, to get in there, and get it done. I used a glass dish that has the sawtooth rim design, and attached it to a small glass candle holder. Very simple, but yet cute and would be very nice with all it's uses in home decor too. 

This is yet another picture that will not be offered for sale. The glass bowl is a vintage indiana piece that will be given to my sister for her birthday along with the 2 tall glass cylinder candle holders that you are seeing. I have some of these glass cylinder candle holders at home that are a bit taller for each side of a pink glass lamp I have with a glass globe. My sister fell in love with them. So......I went shopping, and found these pieces to put together for her. In them I will add some berries air freshner pieces that look like berries too. Then, probably add some white candle in with that too. Below is just another picture for better viewing by showing one of the pieces without the flash used. 

  

 I know, a lot of pictures and I do hope it did not slow the page down for anyone as it was loading. Most of these items have been listed with my shops, will be listed, or as mentioned is being used in gift giving for a family member. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. Enjoyed having you here, and hope to see you again soon. Take care everyone.  Hey, don't forget you are always welcome to leave comments with all of my listings. If you want to share something you are more than Welcome to do so. Thanks again everyone!:)

Reuse Repurpose Recycle Upcycle Discarded Treasures

Reuse Repurpose Recycle Upcycle Discarded Treasures by using bits, and pieces of the past with present, and making something new. Giving things a new life!


Me, Myself, and I along with many others spend time roaming the internet, reading things, learning things, and etc. Along the way with all of this we also will find people who are creative, people showing what they have made, showing what they do, some show how they do it, and so on. Over time this has become a yearning with me to do things by reusing, repurposing, and upcycling items. For me to do this it is relaxing, and it is fun being able to put some of my thoughts and ideas into something too. I enjoy the smile that comes to my face, and hopefully you will smile with some of it too. 


I have googled some of these more common words used by everyone to give an idea of definitions to some of those popular words we use. 


•Reuse - whatever the purpose, you basically reuse the item for the same purpose more than one time


•Repurpose - take an item and reuse it for something else (repurpose it) before it goes through any breakdown, and reformation. For example a shirt that is being used to make a handbag, or maybe a shopping bag. Maybe using a metal pipe for some kind of sculpture. Use something in a new way.


•Upcycle - this is familiar to recycle in which you take something, and rework it into a new form for a continued use. The main difference is that you are not altering its form back into its components for reuse. 


•Recycle - return material to a previous stage of cyclic process; converting waste to a reusable material. Example of a recycled box that is broken down, and made into a new cardboard. Another is plastic is melted down, and melted into a new plastic.


I know, sometimes it gets confusing. How we use the words, and explain them also means something too. 


I hope this minor explanations for some of these popular words has helped you in some way. I know it gets confusing. Heck, I sometimes find myself there too. I have commented before that is you are not able to reuse items as they are why not repurpose them, or upcycle them to make something that puts a smile to your face, and also with others too. 


Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Have a wonderful day, enjoy all that you are doing, and come back to visit again soon. If you have something to add that would be great! Please do as all are Welcome.

What to Look For and Steps For Thrift Store Shopping

What to Look For and Steps For Thrift Store Shopping. 

Welcome back to LilacsNDreams, and Happy Thrifting everyone! It's the 4th of July, many activities happening due to this, and many of your thrift stores and second hand stores will find themselves busy too. When you go out thrift shopping you want to enjoy it, and make your experience a really great one too. Some people thrift because it is a hobby for them, and there are some people who do make a living from thrift shopping too. Most importantly is that you Love what you are doing. Having a passion for this can make a really big difference by doing something you enjoy which in turn allows you to be more active with it too. You have your own style, and what's really neat is you do not end up spending a lot of money. More people have been shopping the thrift way than they have the new way. A penny saved is a penny earned.

Remember when you head out thrifting for the day that it might not always be a bed of roses for you. When shopping just remember that you are doing something that you enjoy doing. When you left to shop this morning were you wanting just cute stuff, things to repurpose with, or were there some big ticket items you wanted to find. Before you leave make sure to search your area for thrift stores, second hand stores, etc. After a few times of thrifting you will start to learn the stores, which ones you like, which ones are more organized, and the ones that you find better deals at too.

When you head out thrifting for the day make sure you are dressed comfortably for it too. A nice pair of walking shoes is a must. Wear some loose clothes so that you can move around easier, and freely. Feel great while you bend, reach, doing some digging, and have fun with it too.

If you plan on being outdoors with some of your visits make sure to check on the weather, and what to expect. Remember that timing can be important in thrifting too. Sometimes being the early bird is good. With tag sales find out for sure their last day of the sale since most will have everything 1/2 price that has not already sold on that day. 

Hey, if you like having company when you go thrifting make sure to take someone with you. Make sure it is someone who also enjoys thrifting so that you can all enjoy the shopping experience for the day. 

Before you leave to go thrifting make sure to budget your spending too. How much are you willing to spend for the day. Remember, it is easy to go over board with spending due to all the goodies, and must have treasures you will find. If you have specifics you are wanting make sure to have a list made to use for your searches. Once them specifics have been found then you can spend some money on other things you find along the way.

Most of all when you are out thrifting for the day, Make It Fun! You have a day out to enjoy, save some money, and digging for those unwanted treasures by others. Flea Markets, Yard Sales, Thrift Stores. . . . . Once loved items found to be reloved again. Have fun everyone, be safe, and enjoy the Holiday too. 

Thanks for sharing with LilacsNDreams, and see you again soon. Take care, and Happy Thrifting!

LilacsNDreams Wishing You All a Wonderful Weekend

LilacsNDreams Wishing You All a Wonderful Weekend!

Hello everyone, and here it is Friday again...already! Don't it seem like this week just flew? Maybe it is just me, but the time sure got away from me this week. 

So, any big plans this weekend anyone? Maybe some Thrifting, Garage Sales, any Flea Markets in your area? I did some thrifting on Wednesday, and then yesterday I came across a tag and estate sale while going down the road. Having a tag sale in this area is not very common, and it did catch my interest. I stopped in, and found a few old goodies. I got a red, and white kitchen scale that appears to work so far. Gonna look at it more today. I got an old tea coffee pot. Lil 6 cup one that is in very good clean shiny condition. Picked up a hankie, a doilie, and just couple of odd things for the home. Talked with some people, and enjoyed the late afternoon shopping:)

It's Friday, and here is to wishing all of you a fantastic weekend! Enjoy it, have fun, and be safe everyone. Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams today. Come back to visit again soon.